Methods of preparing and using coated particulates

ABSTRACT

The present invention involves methods of preparing coated particulates and using such coated particulates in subterranean applications such as production enhancement and sand control. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of preparing coated particulates comprising the steps of coating particulates with a resin or a tackifying agent to create pre-coated particulates; and, covering the pre-coated particulates with a partitioning agent to create coated particulates. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation comprising the steps of providing coated particulates made by a method comprising the steps of substantially coating particulates with a resin or a tackifying agent to create pre-coated particulates; and, substantially covering the pre-coated particulates with a partitioning agent to create coated particulates; substantially slurrying the coated particulates in a servicing fluid to create a coated particulate slurry; and, placing the coated particulate slurry into the subterranean formation.

BACKGROUND

The present invention involves methods of preparing coated particulatesand using such coated particulates in subterranean applications such asproduction enhancement and sand control. More particularly, the presentinvention relates to methods of preparing particulates coated withtackifying agent or resin that need not be immediately used once theyare prepared.

Subterranean operations often use particulates coated with tackifyingagents or resins. One example of a production stimulation operationusing coated particulates is hydraulic fracturing, wherein a formationis treated to increase its permeability by hydraulically fracturing theformation to create or enhance one or more cracks or “fractures.” Inmost cases, a hydraulic fracturing treatment involves pumping aproppant-free, viscous fluid (known as a pad fluid) into a subterraneanformation faster than the fluid can escape into the formation so thatthe pressure in the formation rises and the formation breaks, creatingan artificial fracture or enlarging a natural fracture. Then a proppantis generally added to the fluid to form a slurry that is pumped into thefracture to prevent the fracture form closing when the pumping pressureis released. A portion of the proppant may be coated with a tackifyingagent, inter alia, to control fines from migrating into the proppantpack. A portion of the proppant may also be coated with curable resin sothat, once cured, the placed proppant forms a consolidated mass andprevents the proppant from flowing back during production of the well.

An example of a well completion operation using a treating fluidcontaining coated particulates is gravel packing. Gravel packingtreatments are used, inter alia, to reduce the migration ofunconsolidated formation particulates into the well bore. In gravelpacking operations, particles known in the art as gravel are carried toa well bore by a hydrocarbon or water carrier fluid. That is, theparticulates are suspended in a carrier fluid, which may be viscosified,and the carrier fluid is pumped into a well bore in which the gravelpack is to be placed. The carrier fluid leaks off into the subterraneanzone and/or is returned to the surface while the particulates are leftin the zone. The resultant gravel pack acts as a filter to separateformation sands from produced fluids while permitting the producedfluids to flow into the well bore. A portion of the gravel may be coatedwith resin or tackifying agent, inter alia, to further help control themigration of formation fines. Typically, gravel pack operations involveplacing a gravel pack screen in the well bore and packing thesurrounding annulus between the screen and the well bore with graveldesigned to prevent the passage of formation sands through the pack. Thegravel pack screen is generally a type of filter assembly used tosupport and retain the gravel placed during the gravel pack operation. Awide range of sizes and screen configurations are available to suit thecharacteristics of a particular well bore, the production fluid, and thesubterranean formation sands. When installing the gravel pack, thegravel is carried to the formation in the form of a slurry by mixing thegravel with a viscosified carrier fluid. Once the gravel is placed inthe well bore, the viscosity of the carrier fluid is reduced, and it isreturned to the surface. Such gravel packs may be used to stabilize theformation while causing minimal impairment to well productivity. Thegravel, inter alia, acts to prevent formation sands from occluding thescreen or migrating with the produced fluids, and the screen, interalia, acts to prevent the gravel from entering the well bore.

In some situations the processes of hydraulic fracturing and gravelpacking are combined into a single treatment to provide stimulatedproduction and an annular gravel pack to reduce formation sandproduction. Such treatments are often referred to as “frac pack”operations. In some cases, the treatments are completed with a gravelpack screen assembly in place, and the hydraulic fracturing treatmentbeing pumped through the annular space between the casing and screen. Insuch a situation, the hydraulic fracturing treatment usually ends in ascreen out condition creating an annular gravel pack between the screenand casing. This allows both the hydraulic fracturing treatment andgravel pack to be placed in a single operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention involves methods of preparing coated particulatesand using such coated particulates in subterranean applications such asproduction enhancement and sand control. More particularly, the presentinvention relates to methods of preparing particulates coated withtackifying agent or resin that need not be immediately used once theyare prepared.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of preparingcoated particulates comprising the steps of coating particulates with aresin or a tackifying agent to create pre-coated particulates; and,covering the pre-coated particulates with a partitioning agent to createcoated particulates.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method oftreating a subterranean formation comprising the steps of providingcoated particulates made by a method comprising the steps ofsubstantially coating particulates with a resin or a tackifying agent tocreate pre-coated particulates; and, substantially covering thepre-coated particulates with a partitioning agent to create coatedparticulates; substantially slurrying the coated particulates in aservicing fluid to create a coated particulate slurry; and, placing thecoated particulate slurry into the subterranean formation.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method ofpropping a fracture in a subterranean formation comprising the steps ofproviding coated particulates made by a method comprising the steps of:substantially coating particulates with a resin or a tackifying agent tocreate pre-coated particulates; and, substantially covering thepre-coated particulates with a partitioning agent to create coatedparticulates; substantially slurrying the coated particulates in afracturing fluid to create a coated particulate slurry; and, placing thecoated particulate slurry into at least one fracture in the subterraneanformation.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method of gravelpacking comprising the steps of providing coated particulates made by amethod comprising the steps of substantially coating particulates with aresin or a tackifying agent to create pre-coated particulates; and,substantially covering the pre-coated particulates with a partitioningagent to create coated particulates; substantially slurrying the coatedparticulates in a gravel packing fluid to create a coated particulatesslurry; introducing the coated particulates slurry to a well bore suchthat the coated particulates form a gravel pack substantially adjacentto the well bore.

The features and advantages of the present invention will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the descriptionof preferred embodiments that follows.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention involves methods of preparing coated particulatesand using such coated particulates in subterranean applications such asproduction enhancement and sand control. More particularly, the presentinvention relates to methods of preparing particulates coated withtackifying agent or resin that need not be immediately used once theyare prepared. By coating a partitioning agent onto particulates thathave been coated with a tackifying agent or curable resin, the methodsof the present invention are capable of temporarily diminishing the“tackiness” of the treated particulates, thus preventing or minimizingthe agglomeration of the particulates and the spreading of thetackifying agent or curable resin onto equipment surfaces.

Some embodiments of the present invention describe methods of creatingcoated particulates that may be created and then stored and or shippedbefore use without excessive agglomeration. Particulates coated withtackifying agents and/or resins have a tendency to agglomerate and formmasses of joined particulates rather than retaining their individualcharacter. In the methods of the present invention, particulates arecoated with a tackifying agent and/or resin and then the particulatesare covered with a partitioning agent to help the particulates retaintheir individual tacky or curable character. In some embodiments of thepresent invention, the coated particulates may be created a few hours ora few weeks before they are used.

Particulates suitable for use in the present invention may be comprisedof any material suitable for use in subterranean operations, includinggraded sand, bauxite, ceramic materials, glass materials, metal beads orballs, nut hulls, polymer beads, and the like. The particulate sizegenerally may range from about 2 to about 400 on the U.S. Sieve Series,however, it is to be understood that in certain circumstances othersizes may be desired and will be entirely suitable for practice of thepresent invention. In some embodiments of the present invention, theparticulate is graded sand having a particle size in the range of fromabout 10 to about 70 mesh, U.S. Sieve Series. It is within the abilityof one skilled in the art, with the benefit of this disclosure, toselect a suitable particulate composition and size.

Resins suitable for use in the present invention include, but are notlimited to, two-component epoxy-based resins, furan-based resins,phenolic-based resins, high-temperature (HT) epoxy-based resins, andphenol/phenol formaldehyde/furfuryl alcohol resins. Selection of asuitable resin coating material may be affected by the temperature ofthe subterranean formation to which the fluid will be introduced. By wayof example, for subterranean formations having a bottom hole statictemperature (“BHST”) ranging from about 60° F. to about 250° F.,two-component epoxy-based resins comprising a hardenable resin componentand a hardening agent component containing specific hardening agents maybe preferred. For subterranean formations having a BHST ranging fromabout 300° F. to about 600° F., a furan-based resin may be preferred.For subterranean formations having a BHST ranging from about 200° F. toabout 400° F., either a phenolic-based resin or a one-component HTepoxy-based resin may be suitable. For subterranean formations having aBHST of at least about 175° F., a phenol/phenol formaldehyde/furfurylalcohol resin also may be suitable.

One resin coating material suitable for use in the proppant compositionsof the present invention is a two-component epoxy based resin comprisinga hardenable resin component and a hardening agent component. Thehardenable resin component is comprised of a hardenable resin and anoptional solvent. The second component is the liquid hardening agentcomponent, which is comprised of a hardening agent, a silane couplingagent, a surfactant, an optional hydrolyzable ester for, inter alia,breaking gelled fracturing fluid films on the proppant particles, and anoptional liquid carrier fluid for, inter alia, reducing the viscosity ofthe liquid hardening agent component. It is within the ability of oneskilled in the art with the benefit of this disclosure to determine ifand how much liquid carrier fluid is needed to achieve a viscositysuitable to the subterranean conditions.

Examples of hardenable resins that can be used in the liquid hardenableresin component include, but are not limited to, organic resins such asbisphenol A-epichlorohydrin resin, polyepoxide resin, novolak resin,polyester resin, phenol-aldehyde resin, urea-aldehyde resin, furanresin, urethane resin, glycidyl ethers and mixtures thereof. In someembodiments of the present invention, the chosen resin is included inthe liquid hardenable resin component in the range of from about 70% toabout 100% by weight of the liquid hardenable resin component. Anysolvent that is compatible with the hardenable resin and achieves thedesired viscosity effect is suitable for use in the present invention.Preferred solvents are those having high flash points (most preferablyabout 125° F.).

Examples of the hardening agents that can be used in the liquidhardening agent component of the two-component consolidation fluids ofthe present invention include, but are not limited to, amines, aromaticamines, polyamines, aliphatic amines, cyclo-aliphatic amines, amides,polyamides, 2-ethyl-4-methyl imidazole and1,1,3-trichlorotrifluoroacetone. Selection of a preferred hardeningagent depends, in part, on the temperature of the formation in which thehardening agent will be used. By way of example and not of limitation,in subterranean formations having a temperature from about 60° F. toabout 250° F., amines and cyclo-aliphatic amines such as piperidine,triethylamine, N,N-dimethylaminopyridine, benzyldimethylamine,tris(dimethylaminomethyl) phenol, and 2-(N₂N-dimethylaminomethyl)phenolare preferred with N,N-dimethylaminopyridine most preferred. Insubterranean formations having higher temperatures, 4,4′-diaminodiphenylsulfone may be a suitable hardening agent. The hardening agent utilizedis included in the liquid hardening agent component in an amountsufficient to consolidate the coated particulates. In some embodimentsof the present invention, the hardening agent used is included in theliquid hardenable resin component in the range of from about 40% toabout 60% by weight of the liquid hardening agent component.

Examples of silane coupling agents that can be used in the liquidhardening agent component of the two-component consolidation fluids ofthe present invention include, but are not limited to,N-2-(aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane,3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, andn-beta-(aminoethyl)-gamma-aminopropyl trimethoxysilane. The silanecoupling agent used is included in the liquid hardening agent componentin an amount capable of sufficiently bonding the resin to theparticulate. In some embodiments of the present invention, the silanecoupling agent used is included in the liquid hardenable resin componentin the range of from about 0.1% to about 3% by weight of the liquidhardening agent component.

Any surfactant compatible with the liquid hardening agent may be used inthe present invention. Such surfactants include, but are not limited to,an ethoxylated nonyl phenol phosphate ester, mixtures of one or morecationic surfactants, and one or more non-ionic surfactants and an alkylphosphonate surfactant. The mixtures of one or more cationic andnonionic surfactants are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,311,773, issued toTodd et al. on Nov. 6, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference.A C₁₂-C₂₂ alkyl phosphonate surfactant is preferred. The surfactant orsurfactants used are included in the liquid hardening agent component inan amount in the range of from about 2% to about 15% by weight of theliquid hardening agent component.

Where the resin coating material of the present invention is afuran-based resin, suitable furan-based resins include, but are notlimited to, furfuryl alcohol, a mixture furfuryl alcohol with analdehyde, and a mixture of furan resin and phenolic resin. Thefuran-based resin may be combined with a solvent to control viscosity ifdesired. Suitable solvents for use in the furan-based consolidationfluids of the present invention include, but are not limited to 2-butoxyethanol, butyl acetate, and furfuryl acetate.

Where the resin coating material of the present invention is aphenolic-based resin, suitable phenolic-based resins include, but arenot limited to, terpolymers of phenol, phenolic formaldehyde resins, anda mixture of phenolic and furan resins. Of these, a mixture of phenolicand furan resins is preferred. The phenolic-based resin may be combinedwith a solvent to control viscosity if desired. Suitable solvents foruse in the phenolic-based consolidation fluids of the present inventioninclude, but are not limited to butyl acetate, butyl lactate, furfurylacetate, and 2-butoxy ethanol.

Where the resin coating material of the present invention is a HTepoxy-based resin, suitable HT epoxy-based components included, but arenot limited to, bisphenol A-epichlorohydrin resin, polyepoxide resin,novolac resin, polyester resin, glycidyl ethers and mixtures thereof.The HT epoxy-based resin may be combined with a solvent to controlviscosity if desired. Suitable solvents for use with the HT epoxy-basedresins of the present invention are those solvents capable ofsubstantially dissolving the HT epoxy-resin chosen for use in theconsolidation fluid. Such solvents include, but are not limited to,dimethyl sulfoxide and dimethyl formamide. A cosolvent such asdipropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether,dimethyl formamide, diethylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycolbutyl ether, diethylene glycol butyl ether, propylene carbonate,d'limonene and fatty acid methyl esters, may also be used in combinationwith the solvent.

Yet another resin suitable for use in the methods of the presentinvention is a phenol/phenol formaldehyde/furfuryl alcohol resincomprising from about 5% to about 30% phenol, from about 40% to about70% phenol formaldehyde, from about 10 to about 40% furfuryl alcohol,from about 0.1% to about 3% of a silane coupling agent, and from about1% to about 15% of a surfactant. In the phenol/phenolformaldehyde/furfuryl alcohol resins suitable for use in the methods ofthe present invention, suitable silane coupling agents include, but arenot limited to, n-2-(aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane,3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, andn-beta-(aminoethyl)-gamma-aminopropyl trimethoxysilane. Suitablesurfactants include, but are not limited to, an ethoxylated nonyl phenolphosphate ester, mixtures of one or more cationic surfactants and one ormore non-ionic surfactants, and an alkyl phosphonate surfactant.

Compositions suitable for use as tackifying agents in the presentinvention comprise any compound that, when in liquid form or in asolvent solution, will form a non-hardening coating upon a particulate.A particularly preferred group of tackifying agents comprise polyamidesthat are liquids or in solution at the temperature of the subterraneanformation such that they are, by themselves, non-hardening whenintroduced into the subterranean formation. A particularly preferredproduct is a condensation reaction product comprised of commerciallyavailable polyacids and a polyamine. Such commercial products includecompounds such as mixtures of C₃₆ dibasic acids containing some trimerand higher oligomers and also small amounts of monomer acids that arereacted with polyamines. Other polyacids include trimer acids, syntheticacids produced from fatty acids, maleic anhydride, acrylic acid, and thelike. Such acid compounds are commercially available from companies suchas Witco Corporation, Union Camp, Chemtall, and Emery Industries. Thereaction products are available from, for example, ChampionTechnologies, Inc. and Witco Corporation. Additional compounds which maybe used as tackifying compounds include liquids and solutions of, forexample, polyesters, polycarbonates and polycarbamates, natural resinssuch as shellac and the like. Other suitable tackifying agents aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,853,048 issued to Weaver, et al. and U.S.Pat. No. 5,833,000 issued to Weaver, et al., the relevant disclosures ofwhich are herein incorporated by reference.

Tackifying agents suitable for use in the present invention may beeither used such that they form non-hardening coating or they may becombined with a multifunctional material capable of reacting with thetackifying compound to form a hardened coating. A “hardened coating” asused herein means that the reaction of the tackifying compound with themultifunctional material will result in a substantially non-flowablereaction product that exhibits a higher compressive strength in aconsolidated agglomerate than the tackifying compound alone with theparticulates. In this instance, the tackifying agent may functionsimilarly to a hardenable resin. Multifunctional materials suitable foruse in the present invention include, but are not limited to, aldehydessuch as formaldehyde, dialdehydes such as glutaraldehyde, hemiacetals oraldehyde releasing compounds, diacid halides, dihalides such asdichlorides and dibromides, polyacid anhydrides such as citric acid,epoxides, furfuraldehyde, glutaraldehyde or aldehyde condensates and thelike, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments of the presentinvention, the multifunctional material may be admixed with thetackifying compound in an amount of from about 0.01 to about 50 percentby weight of the tackifying compound to effect formation of the reactionproduct. In some preferably embodiments, the compound is present in anamount of from about 0.5 to about 1 percent by weight of the tackifyingcompound. Suitable multifunctional materials are described in U.S. Pat.No. 5,839,510 issued to Weaver, et al., the relevant disclosure of whichis herein incorporated by reference.

Partitioning agents suitable for use in the present invention are thosesubstances that will dissipate once the particulates are introduced to aservicing fluid, such as a fracturing or gravel packing fluid. Moreover,partitioning agents suitable for use in the present invention should notinterfere with the tackifying agent or resin pre-coated onto theparticulate when it is used, and should not interfere with the servicingfluid. In preferred embodiments, the partitioning agent is coated ontothe tackifying agent pre-coated or resin pre-coated particulate in anamount of from about 1% to about 20% by weight of the pre-coatedparticulate. In preferred embodiments, the substantially the entiresurface of the tackifying agent or resin coating is pre-coated withpartitioning agent.

Partitioning agents suitable for use in the present invention are thosematerials that are capable of coating onto the resin or tackifying agentpre-coating the particulate and reducing the sticky character. Suitablepartitioning agents may be substances that will quickly dissipate in thepresence of the servicing fluid. Examples of suitable partitioningagents that will dissolve quickly in an aqueous servicing fluid includesalts (such as rock salt, fine salt, KCl, and other solid salts known inthe art), barium sulfate, benzoic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, sodiumcarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and mixtures thereof. Examples ofsuitable partitioning agents that will dissolve in an oil-basedservicing fluid include wax, gilsonite, sulfonated asphalt,naphthalenesulfonate, oil soluble resins including, but not limited to,styrene-isoprene copolymers, hydrogenated styrene-isoprene blockcopolymers, styrene ethylene/propylene block copolymers, styreneisobutylene copolymers, styrene-butadiene copolymers, polybutylene,polystyrene, polyethylene-propylene copolymers, and combinations of twoor more thereof.

The partitioning agent also may be a substance that dissipates moreslowly in the presence of the servicing fluid. Partitioning agents thatdissolve more slowly allow the operator more time to place the coatedparticulates. Examples of suitable partitioning agents that willdissolve more slowly in an aqueous servicing fluid include calciumoxide, degradable polymers, such as polysaccharides; chitins; chitosans;proteins; aliphatic polyesters; poly(lactides); poly(glycolides);poly(ε-caprolactones); poly(hydroxybutyrates); poly(anhydrides);aliphatic polycarbonates; poly(orthoesters); poly(amino acids);poly(ethylene oxides); and poly(phosphazenes); and mixtures thereof.Examples of suitable partitioning agents that will dissolve more slowlyin an oil-based servicing fluid include wax, gilsonite, sulfonatedasphalt, oil soluble resins, and mixtures thereof.

The coated particulates of the present invention may be suspended in anyservicing fluid known in the art, including aqueous gels, foams,emulsions, and viscosified surfactant fluids. Suitable aqueous gels aregenerally comprised of water and one or more gelling agents. Theemulsions may be comprised of two or more immiscible liquids such as anaqueous gelled liquid and a liquefied, normally gaseous fluid, such asnitrogen. The preferred servicing fluids for use in accordance with thisinvention are aqueous gels comprised of water, a gelling agent forgelling the water and increasing its viscosity, and optionally, across-linking agent for cross-linking the gel and further increasing theviscosity of the fluid. The increased viscosity of the gelled or gelledand cross-linked servicing fluid, inter alia, reduces fluid loss andallows the fracturing fluid to transport significant quantities ofsuspended particulates. The servicing fluids also may include one ormore of a variety of well-known additives such as breakers, stabilizers,fluid loss control additives, clay stabilizers, bactericides, and thelike.

Some embodiments of the methods of the present invention provide methodsfor creating coated particulates comprising the steps of pre-coatingparticulates with a resin or a tackifying agent to create pre-coatedparticulates and then covering the pre-coated particulates with apartitioning agent to create coated particulates.

Other embodiments of the present invention provide a methods of treatinga subterranean formation comprising the steps of providing coatedparticulates made by a method comprising the steps of substantiallycoating particulates with a resin or a tackifying agent to createpre-coated particulates; and, substantially covering the pre-coatedparticulates with a partitioning agent to create coated particulates;substantially slurrying the coated particulates in a servicing fluid tocreate a coated particulate slurry; and, placing the coated particulateslurry into the subterranean formation.

Other embodiments of the present invention provide methods of propping afractured subterranean formation comprising the steps of providingcoated particulates created by coating particulates with a resin or atackifying agent to create pre-coated particulates and then covering thepre-coated particulates with a partitioning agent to create coatedparticulates and then substantially slurrying the coated particulates ina fracturing fluid to create a coated particulate slurry, and placingthe coated particulate slurry into at least one fracture in asubterranean formation.

Still other embodiments of the present invention provide methods ofinstalling a gravel pack in a well bore comprising the steps ofproviding pre-coated particulates created by coating particulates with aresin or a tackifying agent to create pre-coated particulates and thencovering the pre-coated particulates with a partitioning agent to createcoated particulates and then substantially slurrying the pre-coatedparticulates in a gravel packing fluid to create a coated particulateslurry, and introducing the coated particulate slurry to the well boresuch that the coated particulates form a gravel pack substantiallyadjacent to a well bore. The coating of partitioning agent on thepre-coated proppant is to temporarily diminish its tackiness, so thatthe effect of forming clusters or aggregates of proppant particulates isminimized. Large proppant clusters or aggregates tend to settle quicklyand potentially cause bridging or premature screenout during gravelpacking. In addition, large clusters or aggregates of proppant may alsocause erosion of filtercake that has been placed for controlling fluidleak off during gravel placement of gravel pack operation.

To facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, thefollowing examples of some of the preferred embodiments are given. In noway should such examples be read to limit the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES Example 1

A sample of bauxite particulates was pre-coated with a high temperatureepoxy resin and another sample was pre-coated with a furan resin; eachsample contained 7.8 cc of resin per 250 grams of particulate. Sodiumbicarbonate powder (20 grams) was then covered onto each of the resincoated samples to form coated particulates. The samples of particulateswere stored at room temperature for three days. After that time thesamples, still substantially non-agglomerated, were mixed in anaqueous-based fracturing fluid and formed a slurry concentration of 7pounds of particulates per gallon of fracturing fluid. The sodiumbicarbonate covering dissolved as the particulates were mixed into thefracturing fluid. The coated particulates of the present inventionproved capable of retaining their individual character even after beingstored for a period of time.

The slurry was then crosslinked, stirred for an hour at 180° F., andthen packed into a brass chamber and cured for at least 8 hours at 325°F. Core samples obtained from the cured particulates reflectedconsolidation strength of between 850 and 1,100 psi. Thus, the coveringused to create the coated particulates did not act to impairconsolidation.

Therefore, the present invention is well adapted to carry out theobjects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as thosethat are inherent therein. While numerous changes may be made by thoseskilled in the art, such changes are encompassed within the spirit andscope of this invention as defined by the appended claims.

1. A method of preparing coated particulates comprising the steps of:substantially coating particulates with a resin or a tackifying agent tocreate pre-coated particulates; and, substantially covering thepre-coated particulates with a partitioning agent to create coatedparticulates.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the resin comprises atwo-component epoxy-based resin, a furan-based resin, a phenolic-basedresin, a high-temperature (HT) epoxy-based resin, a phenol/phenolformaldehyde/furfuryl alcohol resin, or a combination thereof.
 3. Themethod of claim 2 wherein the two-component epoxy-based resin comprisesa hardenable resin component and a hardening agent component.
 4. Themethod of claim 3 wherein the two-component epoxy-based resin furthercomprises a hydrolyzable ester, a silane coupling agent, a surfactant,or a combination thereof.
 5. The method of claim 2 wherein thefuran-based resin comprises furfuryl alcohol, a mixture furfuryl alcoholwith an aldehyde, or a mixture of furan resin and phenolic resin.
 6. Themethod of claim 2 wherein the phenolic-based resin comprises aterpolymer of phenol, a phenolic formaldehyde resin, or a mixture ofphenolic and furan resins.
 7. The method of claim 2 wherein the HTepoxy-based resin comprises bisphenol A-epichlorohydrin resin,polyepoxide resin, novolac resin, polyester resin, glycidyl ethers, ormixtures thereof.
 8. The method of claim 2 wherein the phenol/phenolformaldehyde/furfuryl alcohol resin comprises from about 5% to about 30%phenol, from about 40% to about 70% phenol formaldehyde, from about 10to about 40% furfuryl alcohol, from about 0.1% to about 3% of a silanecoupling agent, and from about 1% to about 15% of a surfactant.
 9. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the tackifying agent comprises a polyamide, apolyester, a polycarbonate, polycarbamate, a natural resin, or acombination thereof.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein the tackifyingagent further comprises a multifunctional material.
 11. The method ofclaim 10 wherein the multifunctional material comprises and aldehyde; adialdehyde; a hemiacetal; an aldehyde releasing compound; a diacidhalide; a dihalide; a polyacid anhydride; an epoxide; furfuraldehyde,glutaraldehyde or aldehyde condensates; or combinations thereof.
 12. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the partitioning agent comprises material thatdissipates in the presence of an aqueous fluid.
 13. The method of claim12 wherein the partitioning agent comprises a salt, a barium sulfate,benzoic acid, a polyvinyl alcohol, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate,or a combination thereof.
 14. The method of claim 12 wherein thepartitioning agent comprises calcium oxide, a degradable polymer, apoly(glycolide); a poly(ε-caprolactone); a poly(hydroxybutyrate); apoly(anhydride); an aliphatic polycarbonate; a poly(orthoester); apoly(amino acid); a poly(ethylene oxide); a poly(phosphazene); or acombination thereof.
 15. The method of claim 1 wherein the partitioningagent comprises material that dissipates in the presence of an oliginousfluid.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the partitioning agentcomprises wax, gilsonite, sulfonated asphalt, naphthalenesulfonate, anoil-soluble resin including, styrene-isoprene copolymers, hydrogenatedstyrene-isoprene block copolymers, styrene ethylene/propylene blockcopolymers, styrene isobutylene copolymers, styrene-butadienecopolymers, polybutylene, polystyrene, polyethylene-propylenecopolymers, or a combination thereof.
 17. A method of propping afracture in a subterranean formation comprising the steps of: providingcoated particulates made by a method comprising the steps of:substantially coating particulates with a resin or a tackifying agent tocreate pre-coated particulates; and, substantially covering thepre-coated particulates with a partitioning agent to create coatedparticulates; substantially slurrying the coated particulates in afracturing fluid to create a coated particulate slurry; and, placing thecoated particulate slurry into at least one fracture in the subterraneanformation.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein the fracturing fluidcomprises an aqueous gel, a foam, an emulsion, a crosslinked viscosifiedfluid, or a combination thereof.
 19. The method of claim 17 wherein theresin comprises a two-component epoxy-based resin, a furan-based resin,a phenolic-based resin, a high-temperature (HT) epoxy-based resin, aphenol/phenol formaldehyde/furfuryl alcohol resin, or a combinationthereof.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein the two-componentepoxy-based resin comprises a hardenable resin component and a hardeningagent component.
 21. The method of claim 20 wherein the two-componentepoxy-based resin further comprises a hydrolyzable ester, a silanecoupling agent, a surfactant, or a combination thereof.
 22. The methodof claim 19 wherein the furan-based resin comprises furfuryl alcohol, amixture furfuryl alcohol with an aldehyde, or a mixture of furan resinand phenolic resin.
 23. The method of claim 19 wherein thephenolic-based resin comprises a terpolymer of phenol, a phenolicformaldehyde resin, or a mixture of phenolic and furan resins.
 24. Themethod of claim 19 wherein the HT epoxy-based resin comprises bisphenolA-epichlorohydrin resin, polyepoxide resin, novolac resin, polyesterresin, glycidyl ethers, or mixtures thereof.
 25. The method of claim 19wherein the phenol/phenol formaldehyde/furfuryl alcohol resin comprisesfrom about 5% to about 30% phenol, from about 40% to about 70% phenolformaldehyde, from about 10 to about 40% furfuryl alcohol, from about0.1% to about 3% of a silane coupling agent, and from about 1% to about15% of a surfactant.
 26. The method of claim 17 wherein the tackifyingagent comprises a polyamide, a polyester, a polycarbonate,polycarbamate, a natural resin, or a combination thereof.
 27. The methodof claim 26 wherein the tackifying agent further comprises amultifunctional material.
 28. The method of claim 27 wherein themultifunctional material comprises and aldehyde; a dialdehyde; ahemiacetal; an aldehyde releasing compound; a diacid halide; a dihalide;a polyacid anhydride; an epoxide; furfuraldehyde, glutaraldehyde oraldehyde condensates; or combinations thereof.
 29. The method of claim17 wherein the partitioning agent comprises material that dissipates inthe presence of an aqueous fluid.
 30. The method of claim 29 wherein thepartitioning agent comprises a salt, a barium sulfate, benzoic acid, apolyvinyl alcohol, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, or acombination thereof.
 31. The method of claim 29 wherein the partitioningagent comprises calcium oxide, a degradable polymer, a poly(glycolide);a poly(ε-caprolactone); a poly(hydroxybutyrate); a poly(anhydride); analiphatic polycarbonate; a poly(orthoester); a poly(amino acid); apoly(ethylene oxide); a poly(phosphazene); or a combination thereof. 32.The method of claim 17 wherein the partitioning agent comprises materialthat dissipates in the presence of an oliginous fluid.
 33. The method ofclaim 32 wherein the partitioning agent comprises wax, gilsonite,sulfonated asphalt, naphthalenesulfonate, and oil-soluble resinsincluding, styrene-isoprene copolymers, hydrogenated styrene-isopreneblock copolymers, styrene ethylene/propylene block copolymers, styreneisobutylene copolymers, styrene-butadiene copolymers, polybutylene,polystyrene, polyethylene-propylene copolymers, or a combinationthereof.
 34. A method of gravel packing comprising the steps of:providing coated particulates made by a method comprising the steps of:substantially coating particulates with a resin or a tackifying agent tocreate pre-coated particulates; and, substantially covering thepre-coated particulates with a partitioning agent to create coatedparticulates; substantially slurrying the coated particulates in agravel packing fluid to create a coated particulate slurry; introducingthe coated particulate slurry to a well bore such that the coatedparticulates form a gravel pack substantially adjacent to the well bore.35. The method of claim 34 wherein the gravel packing fluid comprises anaqueous gel, a foam, an emulsion, a crosslinked viscosified fluid, or acombination thereof.
 36. The method of claim 34 wherein the resincomprises a two-component epoxy-based resin, a furan-based resin, aphenolic-based resin, a high-temperature (HT) epoxy-based resin, aphenol/phenol formaldehyde/furfuryl alcohol resin, or a combinationthereof.
 37. The method of claim 36 wherein the two-componentepoxy-based resin comprises a hardenable resin component and a hardeningagent component.
 38. The method of claim 37 wherein the two-componentepoxy-based resin further comprises a hydrolyzable ester, a silanecoupling agent, a surfactant, or a combination thereof.
 39. The methodof claim 36 wherein the furan-based resin comprises furfuryl alcohol, amixture furfuryl alcohol with an aldehyde, or a mixture of furan resinand phenolic resin.
 40. The method of claim 36 wherein thephenolic-based resin comprises a terpolymer of phenol, a phenolicformaldehyde resin, or a mixture of phenolic and furan resins.
 41. Themethod of claim 36 wherein the HT epoxy-based resin comprises bisphenolA-epichlorohydrin resin, polyepoxide resin, novolac resin, polyesterresin, glycidyl ethers. or mixtures thereof.
 42. The method of claim 36wherein the phenol/phenol formaldehyde/furfuryl alcohol resin comprisesfrom about 5% to about 30% phenol, from about 40% to about 70% phenolformaldehyde, from about 10 to about 40% furfuryl alcohol, from about0.1% to about 3% of a silane coupling agent, and from about 1% to about15% of a surfactant.
 43. The method of claim 34 wherein the tackifyingagent comprises a polyamide, a polyester, a polycarbonate,polycarbamate, a natural resin, or a combination thereof.
 44. The methodof claim 43 wherein the tackifying agent further comprises amultifunctional material.
 45. The method of claim 44 wherein themultifunctional material comprises and aldehyde; a dialdehyde; ahemiacetal; an aldehyde releasing compound; a diacid halide; a dihalide;a polyacid anhydride; an epoxide; furfuraldehyde, glutaraldehyde oraldehyde condensates; or combinations thereof.
 46. The method of claim34 wherein the partitioning agent comprises material that dissipates inthe presence of an aqueous fluid.
 47. The method of claim 46 wherein thepartitioning agent comprises a salt, a barium sulfate, benzoic acid, apolyvinyl alcohol, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, or acombination thereof.
 48. The method of claim 46 wherein the partitioningagent comprises calcium oxide, a degradable polymer, a poly(glycolide);a poly(ε-caprolactone); a poly(hydroxybutyrate); a poly(anhydride); analiphatic polycarbonate; a poly(orthoester); a poly(amino acid); apoly(ethylene oxide); a poly(phosphazene); or a combination thereof. 49.The method of claim 34 wherein the partitioning agent comprises materialthat dissipates in the presence of an oliginous fluid.
 50. The method ofclaim 49 wherein the partitioning agent comprises wax, gilsonite,sulfonated asphalt, naphthalenesulfonate, an oil-soluble resinsincluding, styrene-isoprene copolymers, hydrogenated styrene-isopreneblock copolymers, styrene ethylene/propylene block copolymers, styreneisobutylene copolymers, styrene-butadiene copolymers, polybutylene,polystyrene, polyethylene-propylene copolymers, or a combinationthereof.
 51. A method of treating a subterranean formation comprisingthe steps of: providing coated particulates made by a method comprisingthe steps of: substantially coating particulates with a resin or atackifying agent to create pre-coated particulates; and, substantiallycovering the pre-coated particulates with a partitioning agent to createcoated particulates; substantially slurrying the coated particulates ina servicing fluid to create a coated particulate slurry; and, placingthe coated particulate slurry into the subterranean formation.
 52. Themethod of claim 51 wherein the servicing fluid comprises an aqueous gel,a foam, an emulsion, a crosslinked viscosified fluid, or a combinationthereof.
 53. The method of claim 51 wherein the resin comprises atwo-component epoxy-based resin, a furan-based resin, a phenolic-basedresin, a high-temperature (HT) epoxy-based resin, a phenol/phenolformaldehyde/furfuryl alcohol resin, or a combination thereof.
 54. Themethod of claim 53 wherein the two-component epoxy-based resin comprisesa hardenable resin component and a hardening agent component.
 55. Themethod of claim 54 wherein the two-component epoxy-based resin furthercomprises a hydrolyzable ester, a silane coupling agent, a surfactant,or a combination thereof.
 56. The method of claim 53 wherein thefuran-based resin comprises furfuryl alcohol, a mixture furfuryl alcoholwith an aldehyde, or a mixture of furan resin and phenolic resin. 57.The method of claim 53 wherein the phenolic-based resin comprises aterpolymer of phenol, a phenolic formaldehyde resin, or a mixture ofphenolic and furan resins.
 58. The method of claim 53 wherein the HTepoxy-based resin comprises bisphenol A-epichlorohydrin resin,polyepoxide resin, novolac resin, polyester resin, glycidyl ethers, ormixtures thereof.
 59. The method of claim 53 wherein the phenol/phenolformaldehyde/furfuryl alcohol resin comprises from about 5% to about 30%phenol, from about 40% to about 70% phenol formaldehyde, from about 10to about 40% furfuryl alcohol, from about 0.1% to about 3% of a silanecoupling agent, and from about 1% to about 15% of a surfactant.
 60. Themethod of claim 51 wherein the tackifying agent comprises a polyamide, apolyester, a polycarbonate, polycarbamate, a natural resin, or acombination thereof.
 61. The method of claim 60 wherein the tackifyingagent further comprises a multifunctional material.
 62. The method ofclaim 61 wherein the multifunctional material comprises and aldehyde; adialdehyde; a hemiacetal; an aldehyde releasing compound; a diacidhalide; a dihalide; a polyacid anhydride; an epoxide; furfuraldehyde,glutaraldehyde or aldehyde condensates; or combinations thereof.
 63. Themethod of claim 51 wherein the partitioning agent comprises materialthat dissipates in the presence of an aqueous fluid.
 64. The method ofclaim 63 wherein the partitioning agent comprises a salt, a bariumsulfate, benzoic acid, a polyvinyl alcohol, sodium carbonate, sodiumbicarbonate, or a combination thereof.
 65. The method of claim 64wherein the partitioning agent comprises calcium oxide, a degradablepolymer, a poly(glycolide); a poly(ε-caprolactone); apoly(hydroxybutyrate); a poly(anhydride); an aliphatic polycarbonate; apoly(orthoester); a poly(amino acid); a poly(ethylene oxide); apoly(phosphazene); or a combination thereof.
 66. The method of claim 51wherein the partitioning agent comprises material that dissipates in thepresence of an oliginous fluid.
 67. The method of claim 66 wherein thepartitioning agent comprises wax, gilsonite, sulfonated asphalt,naphthalenesulfonate, and oil-soluble resins including, styrene-isoprenecopolymers, hydrogenated styrene-isoprene block copolymers, styreneethylene/propylene block copolymers, styrene isobutylene copolymers,styrene-butadiene copolymers, polybutylene, polystyrene,polyethylene-propylene copolymers, or a combination thereof.